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At Cranesville Swamp, the elements of wind, water, mountains, and temperature have created a landscape that is both beautiful and rare. In combination, these climactic elements have produced a natural occurrence known as a “frost pocket” – a low area that collects moisture and cooler temperatures. As weather travels west-to-east across North America, the hills surrounding Cranesville Swamp channel precipitation and chilled air into the valley, which make the preserve one of the coolest and soggiest spots in West Virginia.
What You'll See
The cool, wet environ of Cranesville Swamp has over thousands of years fostered the formation of peat – made of compacted sphagnum moss that creates a nutrient-poor environment as it breaks down. Few trees can survive in the resulting bog, but tall eastern hemlock, red spruce and tamarack prevail in the acidic environment. Lower to the ground, plants like sundew, cranberry and sedge thrive in open areas.
Throughout these rare and diverse wetlands communities, visitors to the preserve can witness a spectacular range of birds and mammals. Lucky visitors may spot the rare northern water shrew, or catch a glimpse of a bear rummaging through the shrub thickets surrounding Muddy Creek. Patience and binoculars may afford others a glimpse of any one of the more than 100 bird species found at Cranesville, such as alder flycatcher, Blackburnian warbler, or the saw-whet owl – which nests in stands of red spruce and hemlock in the conifer swamp forest.
Conservation Work
The greatest threats to Cranesville Swamp Preserve and its wildlife result from climate change, the impacts of historic logging,incompatible development, invasive species and deer overbrowsing. The Conservancy has been working to mitigate these threats through land acquisition, forest and swamp habitat restoration, wildlife habitat research, and education efforts. Highlights include:
- 1,774 acres purchased since 1960
- 18,000 red spruce and 1,150 white pines planted over 300 acres
- Continual monitoring for new invasive species and management of existing invasive species (e.g. autumn olive, cattail)
- Water quality research
- Trail enhancement and nature interpretation projects to improve educational opportunities
- Saw-whet owl and flying squirrel research
- Water bars installed across abandoned logging roads to reduce erosion
How To Prepare For Your Visit
- Before you visit, please download the Cranesville Swamp Brochure and the Cranesville Swamp Trail Guide for further information.
- Bring plenty of drinking water, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), rain gear, and bug protection. Binoculars, field guides, and a camera may be useful.
- Wear socks and waterproof shoes.
- Wear light colors to help you spot and remove ticks.
The following are not permitted at Cranesville Swamp Preserve:
- Biking and mountain biking
- Camping
- Driving an ATV or off-road vehicle
- Smoking
- Horseback riding
- Removing any part of the natural landscape
- Snowmobiling
- Geocaching
- Cooking or campfires
- Pets
Directions
Cranesville Swamp Preserve is open year-round during daylight hours. Please respect neighboring homeowners by staying on the preserve.
From Morgantown (approximately 1.5 hours):
- Take I-68 east to Keysers Ridge, MD exit 14 and follow Route 219 south for 19 miles.
- From Route 219, turn right (west) on Mayhew Inn Road, and after 1.4 miles turn left on Bray School Road.
- In 1.6 miles at a T intersection, turn right on Oakland/Sang Run Road (Route 15).
- After 1 mile, turn left on Swallow Falls Road
- After 2.6 miles, take a hard right on Cranesville Road.
- After approximately 4 miles, turn left onto Muddy Creek Road and immediately park on the gravel behind the red house at the corner of the intersection. Our informational kiosk with brochures, trail guides, and other information can be found here.
- To get to the trail head for the swamp, visitors must take a left back onto Cranesville Rd. and take the next left onto Lake Ford Rd.
- Take a sharp right curve in the road and stay to the right at the fork.
- Stay to the right at the next fork in the road, and Cranesville Swamp is 0.2 mile down the gravel road. Park in the lot.
Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Kent Mason (Cranesville Swamp); Photo © Kent Mason (Cranesville Swamp).
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